Body applicator brush

ABSTRACT

An applicator brush for applying a beneficial substance, thoroughly and evenly to the desired area of the body, which generally comprises a head (applicator pad attached to a disk support piece) connected to a notched handle. An alternate embodiment of the brush generally comprises a notched handle attached to a head, which includes first and second wooden pieces and an applicator pad. The front surface of second wooden piece and the back of the applicator pad are glued together, forming a single unit which can be swapped out. Yet another embodiment of the brush generally comprises a head which includes an integrally molded disk attached to an applicator pad. The brush head pivotally clips to a curved, integrally molded handle. The applicator brush allows for navigation around the curves of the body and also assists in reaching difficult-to-reach areas.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application derives priority from provisional patentapplication No. 60/750,887 filed Dec. 16, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an applicator brush, particularly around, angled, bristled applicator brush for independently applyinglotion, sun screen, massage oil, or another beneficial substance to anydesired area of the body, and particularly to the back.

2. Description of the Background

Reaching one's back to apply lotion, sun screen or some other beneficialsubstance is usually very difficult without another person's assistance.This task is especially difficult for folks who are handicapped,morbidly obese, or who otherwise suffer from limited mobility. Thus, itwould be greatly advantageous to provide an angled brush that: (1)provides individuals with independence by allowing them to reach theirown backs' and other difficult-to-reach areas to thoroughly apply abeneficial substance; (2) possesses a simple and scalable design; (3) isfabricated of lightweight materials providing an appropriate degree offlexibility, resiliency, durability, and longevity; and (4) isinexpensive to manufacture and sell for widespread use anddisposability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, the primary object of the present invention to providean angled applicator brush with a round bristled head for applying abeneficial substance thoroughly and evenly to the desired area of thebody.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an applicatorbrush with a long handle allowing individuals to reach their own backs'and other difficult-to-reach areas, thereby providing them withindependence.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide anapplicator brush that possesses a simple and scalable design.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an applicatorbrush that is fabricated of lightweight materials providing anappropriate degree of flexibility, resiliency, durability, andlongevity.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide anapplicator brush that is inexpensive to manufacture and sell to providefor widespread use and disposability.

These and other objects are accomplished with an applicator brush forapplying a beneficial substance, such as lotion, cream, sun screen, ormassage oil thoroughly and evenly to the desired area of the body. Thebrush generally comprises a head (applicator pad attached to a disksupport) connected to a notched handle. A front surface of the disksupport is glued to the back of an applicator pad, which is cut toconform to the disk support in a round piece out of a paint pad. In analternate embodiment of the brush, the head generally comprises a firstwooden piece, a second wooden piece, and an applicator pad. A hole isdrilled through the centers of the first and second wooden pieces. Firstwooden piece is glued to the handle via the notch. A small screw isinserted through the hole in second wooden piece such that the head ofthe screw is flush with the front surface of the second wooden piece,and the tail protrudes through the back of it. The front surface of thesecond wooden piece and the back of the applicator pad are gluedtogether, to form a single unit. The pad covers the head of the screwflush with the front surface of the second wooden piece. The secondwooden piece-applicator pad unit is connected to the first wooden piece,by inserting the tail of the screw that protrudes from the hole in thesecond wooden piece (glued to the pad) through the hole at the front offirst wooden piece. A nut is positioned around the tail of the screw totighten it and keep first wooden piece and second piece-pad unit tightlyconnected together. The screw and nut allow for second woodenpiece-applicator pad units to be swapped out and replaced by newer onesor those having different bristle sizes or configurations. These unitscan be replaced for each different beneficial substance to be applied tothe desired area. Yet another embodiment of the brush generallycomprises a head which includes an integrally molded disk attached to anapplicator pad. The brush head pivotally clips to a curved, integrallymolded handle. The applicator brush allows for navigation around thecurves of the body and also assists in reaching difficult-to-reachareas.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome more apparent from the following detailed description of thepreferred embodiments and certain modifications thereof when takentogether with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a close-up front perspective view of the brush 1 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the disassembled components of theembodiment shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the brush head 18 of the brush 17 shown in FIG.5.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the handle 19 of the brush 17shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is a body applicator brush 1 for applying abeneficial topical substance, such as lotion, cream, sun screen, ormassage oil thoroughly and evenly to the desired area of the body, andespecially to the back. FIGS. 1 and 2 are side perspective and close-upfront perspective views of the preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The brush 1 generally comprises a wooden handle 2 joined to ahead 3, the latter generally comprising an applicator pad 6 attached todisk support piece 8. The handle 2 may be made of beech, maple wood, orany other kind of wood thereof that may be deemed suitable. The woodenhandle 2 is long, and as illustrated it is preferably 16 inches long.The wooden handle 2 is connected to the head 3 via a notch 4 at anangle, preferably in the range of 14°-20°. The notch 4 is made bycutting into the side of the handle 2 using a ripsaw attached to a handheld rotary tool (for example, a Dremel® tool) to form converging edges.The width of the notch 4 should correspond to the thickness of the disksupport piece 8. Disk support piece 8 is attached to the notch 4 usingwood glue (for example, Elmer's® wood glue). The front surface 7 of disksupport piece 8 is glued to the back 9 of the applicator pad 6. Disksupport piece 8 may be cut using a hole-cutter drill bit attached to adrill to form a round piece approximately 2.75 inches in diameter.

Applicator pad 6 preferably comprises a bed of synthetic (Nylon orpolyester) filaments cross linked at their base and bonded to a flexibleplastic or cloth sheet. There are a variety of commercially-availablepaint pads that can serve this purpose, and pad 6 can be cut from one ofthese paint pads to conform to the disk support piece 8. A preferredpaint pad is a SHUR-LINE® paint pad, although a variety of othersuitable paint pads are commercially available, and natural filamentssuch as mohair will also suffice.

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theinvention and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the disassembledcomponents of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, respectively. In analternate embodiment of the brush 1, the head 16 generally comprises afirst wooden piece 8, a second wooden piece 13, and an applicator pad 6.In this embodiment, a hole 10 is drilled through the centers of thefirst 8 and second 13 pieces. The hole 10 should be approximately 3/16-¼inch in diameter. In this embodiment, a notch 4 is cut into the handle 2using a ripsaw attached to a hand held rotary tool (for example, aDremel® tool). The width of the notch 4 should correspond to thethickness of the first wooden piece 8, since first wooden piece 8 isglued to the handle 2 via the notch 4. Wood glue should be used to affixfirst wooden piece 8 to the wooden handle 2. A small screw 11 isinserted through the hole 10 in the second wooden piece 13 such that thehead of the screw 11 is flush with the front surface 14 of the secondwooden piece 13, and the tail of the screw 11 protrudes out from theback of the second piece 13. The size of the screw 11 should correspondto the diameter of the hole 10. The front surface 14 of the secondwooden piece 13 and the back 9 of the applicator pad 6 are gluedtogether, so that the pad 6 covers the head of the screw 11. Anysuitable glue or adhesive may be used to connect the second wooden piece13 and the applicator pad 6 to create a single unit 15. The secondwooden piece-applicator pad unit 15 is connected to the first woodenpiece 8, by inserting the tail of the screw 11 that protrudes from thehole 10 in the second wooden piece 13 (glued to the applicator pad 6)through the hole 10 at the front 7 of the first wooden piece 8. A nut 12is positioned around the tail of the screw 11 to tighten it and keepfirst wooden piece 8 and the second wooden piece-pad unit 15 tightlyconnected together. The screw 11 and nut 12 allow for second woodenpiece-applicator pad units 15 to be swapped out and replaced by newerones or those having different bristle sizes or configurations. Theseunits 15 can be replaced for each different beneficial substance to beapplied to the desired area. Even though the second woodenpiece-applicator pad unit 15 can be cleaned easily, the entire unit 15can be replaced to avoid cleaning or even simply for hygiene purposes(for example, if more than one individual use the same applicator brush1).

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of theinvention. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the pivoting brush head 18. Inanother alternate embodiment of the brush 17, the head 18 generallycomprises a plastic disk 20 having a planar front surface 21 attached tothe back 9 of an applicator pad 6. The plastic disk 20 further comprisesa rear surface 22 having a ramped recess 23 formed along an edge of thesurface 22. The recess 23 is ramped at an angle, preferably in the rangeof 14°-20°. A cylindrical bar 24 is connected across the top of therecess 23 to both sides 25, 26. The bar 24 is an axis around which thehandle 19 rotates, and thereby allows the head 18 to pivot.

FIG. 7 discloses a perspective view of the plastic handle 19. The handle19 is curved and comprises a wide end 27 to facilitate ergonomicgrasping, and an opposing end 28 having a curved notch 29 which clipsonto the bar 24 of head 18. The width of the notch 29 corresponds to thewidth of the bar 24. When a user grasps the wide end 27 of the handle 19and moves the head 18 along the user's body, the head 18 pivots as thenotch 29 turns along the bar 24. A portion of the opposing end 28 ofhandle 19 rests within the recess 23, and has the ability to move withinrecess 23 as the head 18 pivots.

The disk 20 and handle 19 are preferably fabricated of polyethylene.Additionally, the disk 20 and handle 19 are injection molded. Theapplicator pad 6 is glued to the disk 20, using plastic glue such asTENAX-7R. The head 18 can be easily removed for replacement, by pullingthe handle 19 off of the cylindrical bar 24.

In use, lotion is applied to the bristles of the applicator pad 6 andmay thereafter be applied to the body part of interest. The bristledapplicator pad 6 helps in applying a beneficial substance thoroughly andevenly to the desired area of the body. The long handle 2, 19 allowsindividuals to reach their own backs' and other difficult-to-reachareas, thereby providing individuals with independence. The angled head3, 16 allows for navigation around the curves of the body and alsoassists in reaching difficult-to-reach areas. The angled, pivoting head18 also allows for navigation around the curves of the body and assistsin reaching difficult-to-reach areas.

The entire applicator brush 1, 17 is lightweight, making it easy to holdand maneuver around the body. Additionally, the brush 1, 17 possesses asimple scalable design and provides the appropriate degree offlexibility, resiliency, durability, and longevity. The components aresimple to assemble, inexpensive to manufacture and sell therebyproviding for widespread use and disposability.

Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiment and certainmodifications of the concept underlying the present invention, variousother embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of theembodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to thoseskilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept.It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practicedotherwise than as specifically set forth in the appended claims.

1. An applicator brush for applying a beneficial substance thoroughlyand evenly to the desired area of the body, comprising: an elongatehandle having a notch defined by converging edges proximate one end ofsaid handle; and a head including a disk support piece having aperipheral edge seated in the angled edges of said notch, wherein rearsurface of said disk support piece is attached to an edge of said notch,said head also including an applicator pad arrayed with bristles on oneside, and attached on opposing side to said disk support piece.
 2. Anapplicator brush according to claim 1, wherein said head is attached tosaid handle at an angle.
 3. An applicator brush according to claim 1,wherein said angle is in the range of fourteen degrees to twentydegrees.
 4. An applicator brush according to claim 1, wherein saidapplicator pad comprises a SHUR-LINE° paint pad.
 5. An applicator brushaccording to claim 1, wherein said bristles comprise syntheticfilaments.
 6. An applicator brush according to claim 1, wherein saidbristles comprise natural filaments.
 7. An applicator brush comprising:a handle including a notch at top of said handle; a head including afirst piece and a second piece, wherein said first and second piecescorrespond in thickness to said notch and rear surface of said firstpiece is fixedly attached to said notch; and an applicator pad arrayedwith bristles on one side, and attached on opposing side to said secondpiece; and a fastener connecting said first piece, said second piece,and said pad together.
 8. An applicator brush according to claim 7,wherein said head is attached to said handle at an angle.
 9. Anapplicator brush according to claim 7, wherein said first piece, saidsecond piece, and said applicator pad are circular.
 10. An applicatorbrush according to claim 7, wherein said applicator pad comprises aSHUR-LINE® paint pad.
 11. An applicator brush according to claim 7,wherein said bristles comprise synthetic filaments.
 12. An applicatorbrush according to claim 7, wherein said bristles comprise naturalfilaments.
 13. An applicator brush comprising: a handle including anotch at top of said handle; and a head including a first piece having acentral aperture, said first piece is fixedly attached to said notch;and a unit including a second piece having a central aperture, a screwinserted through said central aperture of said second piece, wherebyhead of said screw sits flush with front surface of said second piece,and an applicator pad arrayed with bristles on one side, and attached onopposing side to said front surface of said second piece covering headof said screw, and a nut positioned around tail of said screw, wherebysaid screw and said nut tightly connect said unit and said first piecetogether.
 14. An applicator brush according to claim 13, wherein saidfirst and second pieces correspond in thickness to said notch.
 15. Anapplicator brush according to claim 13, wherein said head is attached tosaid handle at an angle.
 16. An applicator brush for applying abeneficial substance thoroughly and evenly to the desired area of thebody, comprising: a handle including a notch at top of said handle; anda head including a disk having a planar front surface and a rear surfacehaving a ramped recess and a bar formed across said recess, and anapplicator pad arrayed with bristles on one side and attached onopposing side to said planar front surface of said disk.
 17. Anapplicator brush according to claim 16, wherein said recess is ramped atan angle.
 18. An applicator brush according to claim 16, wherein saidhandle and said disk are injection molded.
 19. An applicator brushaccording to claim 16, wherein said applicator pad comprises aSHUR-LINE® paint pad.
 20. An applicator brush according to claim 16,wherein said handle comprises a wide end for ergonomic grasping, and anopposing end having said notch for pivotally clipping onto said bar ofsaid head.